‘'I hope to raise awareness through fundraising efforts'
Raising funds for Reuben’s Retreat is important to me because it allows me to support the meaningful work of the charity. It helps families dealing with medical complexities in children and offer assistance to those mourning the loss of a child. Being part of something that makes a real difference brings a sense of fulfilment and purpose and I hope to raise awareness of Reuben's Retreat through fundraising efforts.
To prepare for the hike I have purchased some hiking boots, clothing and a small backpack (primarily for my snacks!), although I do feel like I have all the gear and no idea! I haven’t walked this distance before, so I am getting in some long walks with my Mum and her dogs, and a shorter hike with my friend.
I’m looking forward to socialising with the other TTG 30 under 30 members on the hike and getting to know everyone better. I haven’t been to the Peak District before, so I am really looking forward to the scenic views, the fresh air and hopefully some sunshine to make the experience even more enjoyable.
One of the main hurdles in fundraising is convincing people to donate. However, I've been fortunate to receive overwhelming support from my family, friends, and colleagues. Thanks to their generosity, I've already reached 89% of my fundraising goal!
Amy Tambyapin, senior revenue management analyst - tour, Avis Budget Group
'Reuben's Retreat as our charity partner was never in doubt’
Reubens Retreat is an extremely meaningful charity to me personally, as I sadly know former colleagues and friends who have lost children. As a father myself, it's unthinkable. The work it does is nothing short of incredible, so choosing Reuben's Retreat as our charity partner was never in doubt.
I thought I knew a fair bit about Reuben's Retreat, but to see the depths of support it gives to families after I visited in person was truly amazing. There are so many classes, activities and groups for all, from Dads’ club to supporting siblings involved in complicated situations both virtually or at the retreat in Glossop. The money we raise will hopefully contribute towards achieving the goal to complete the second half of the retreat, so Reuben’s Retreat can continue to offer bigger and better programmes for many years to come.
The biggest focus has been on fundraising and gearing up towards the Top 50 Travel Agencies by TTG event where we will run a charity prize raffle to continue the fundraising efforts. I haven't thought too much about the physical part of the hike but I’m sure I'll be fine... (famous last words).
I’m looking forward to raising more awareness of what is already an incredible charity and to spending some quality time with some of the cohort from this year’s TTG 30 under 30 and of course the few from Reubens who are joining us. I can't wait!
Jack Atherton, sales manager, UK, Virgin Voyages
'I’m not underestimating the need to be prepared'
It is a privilege to be able to raise money for such a worthy cause. Given the links Reuben’s Retreat has to the travel industry, it seemed a great fit for us to be able to do our part, and help them not only raise more invaluable funds, but highlight the great work and support they give to so many families.
Seeing first hand the different ways the charity is able to support families who have either lost a child, or have a child suffering from complex illnesses, was inspiring. The facilities they have developed and built, and the impact they have on the families who are able to use them, was so positive to see.
Without Reuben’s Retreat, some children’s ability to do simple things like go for a swim or enjoy some time away with family would be so difficult, and the continued work they do to further improve and expand their facilities is why any money we can raise will be a huge help in allowing them them help so many more families going forward.
Sorting logistics is the first step, but between us, we have some great organisers who have everything under control. After that, I need to make sure I get my steps in as we build up to the walk, and ensure I have good pair of walking boots (and probably a good raincoat as well).
I’m not underestimating the challenge and the need to make sure we are properly prepared.
Matthew Roper, senior early trading manager, Tui
‘My late father supported Reuben's Retreat’
Raising money for Reubens Retreat is a way to use the opportunity TTG’s 30 Under 30 has given us to support a charity that does incredible work helping families in some of the most challenging circumstances. For me personally, this was a brilliant cause and since my visit, I found out my late father had also tried to support the charity in the past, offering accommodation in Florida for any child that was able to make use of it. Learning this made me feel even more connected with the charity.
From our visit, my main insight was learning about the work of Reuben’s Retreat and the drive it has to expand the site to offer more services to those who need them. Understanding more about the work it does with parents who have lost a child was incredibly moving.
Learning how a relatively small amount of money raised can fund a session to support people gave me the motivation to raise as much as I can. The biggest challenge is getting the donations but remembering my visit to the retreat is definitely keeping me focussed.
I plan on making use of the wonderful Lancashire countryside I have surrounding me to get a few walks in before the trek. I’m looking forward the team aspect of the trek, working together as a group and helping each other to complete the 20 miles. A challenge like this really brings a group of people together, building relationships that last.
Morgan Hartley, managing director, Goodlife Florida Villas
'The link with travel made this a cause to fundraise for'
Whilst some of us have historically been more connected to the charity, it’s great to have been introduced to the work Reuben’s Retreat does to support families who have been through losing a child, or having children living with medical complexities. The link with the travel industry made this such a worthy cause to fundraise for as much as possible, to support the incredible work the team at Reuben’s Retreat do in supporting these families through whatever situation they may be facing.
I’m looking forward to spending some time with the TTG 30 Under 30 group beyond the fab networking events we have already been involved in since getting together last summer. It’s going to be good fun getting to work as the group across our collective roles and firms to come together and raise money for the great cause.
Beyond the fundraising, it’s a great excuse to get the steps in and enjoy the (hopefully) brighter weather that we have coming – I hope I haven’t jinxed it for the weekend by saying that!
Outside of the hike, I’ve been working with some of our senior stakeholders here at TUI to source prizes for our upcoming raffle to add to the fundraising we are doing. As there are four of us from the firm within this year’s 30 Under 30 cohort, it’s been good, as well, to have spent more time talking with them as our day-to-day roles don’t often come into contact.
Oliver Ellis, early trading manager, Tui
'I was impressed with the support groups available to parents'
Until I visited Reuben’s Retreat, I didn’t appreciate the extent of support that the charity offers. I was especially impressed with the number of support groups which are available to parents, that allow them to connect and have discussions with others who share similar experiences.
The charity does incredible work in supporting children and families in need, so we’re naturally keen to raise as much money as possible. We know it’ll make a huge difference and will allow Reuben’s Retreat to continue supporting those who need their services most for a long time to come.
I’ve got a couple of walks planned beforehand so I can wear in my walking boots. I’m excited for the challenge but 20 miles in a day will be no easy task. I just hope we get decent weather!
Tom Spencer, aviation development executive, Newcastle International Airport
You can show your support with donations by visiting www.givengain.com/campaign/ttg-30-under-30-hike-for-reubens or www.reubensretreat.org to find out more about Reuben’s Retreat.
